The best children’s presents are the ones that get played with on Boxing Day and still get pulled out in March. That usually means something they can make, build, pretend with or run around with, rather than a toy that does one trick.
The ideas below are grouped by age, from toddlers to tweens, and lean towards screen-free, creative and outdoor gifts. Always check the age guidance on the box and look for the UKCA or CE mark on toys before you buy.
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Our three favourites
Toddlers (1–3)
Chunky, simple and safe for small hands. Check the age guidance for small parts.
For the busy toddlerA wooden stacking and sorting toy
Wooden shapes, rings and blocks help little hands practise stacking and matching. Choose a set with chunky pieces, and check the age guidance and UKCA or CE mark on the packaging.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the bedtime-story fanA first picture book collection
Sturdy board books with bold pictures survive chewing and sticky fingers. A small set in a gift box makes a lovely start to a bedtime routine.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the early walkerA ride-on toy
A low ride-on with no pedals lets a toddler scoot indoors or in the garden. Look for stable wheels and check the age and weight guidance given by the maker.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Ages 4 to 7
Imagination in full swing. These gifts reward pretending, making and building.
For the little creatorA kids’ art and craft kit
A box with paper, paint, glue and stickers can fill a wet afternoon. Look for non-toxic materials and check the age rating, especially if there are small beads or scissors.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the born performerA dressing-up costume set
Costumes keep children busy for hours, from doctors to dragons. Pick a role that matches what they already love, and make sure the fabric is labelled for the right age.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the family game nightA beginner board game
Simple, cooperative games are a great way to practise taking turns and being a good loser. Check the age and player numbers on the box before you wrap it.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Ages 8 to 11
Building, experimenting and playing outdoors. This is the age where hobbies begin.
A magnetic building tile set
Colourful tiles snap together into houses, towers and spaceships. A starter set is enough to begin with, and more can be added later. Check the age rating and the UKCA or CE mark.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the night-sky watcherA junior telescope
A simple tabletop telescope lets a child look at the moon on a clear evening. Check it comes with a stable stand, and remind them never to look at the sun through it.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the outdoor adventurerA scooter or skateboard
A foldable scooter gets them out of the house and onto the pavement. Check the weight limit and buy a helmet and pads in the same order.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Tweens (11 to 13)
They are too old for toys but not quite teenagers. Aim for hobbies and independence.
For the creative tweenA craft jewellery or friendship bracelet kit
Beads, thread and clasps let them make presents for their friends. Check the small-parts guidance on the packaging and the age range.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the budding musicianA starter guitar or ukulele
A small ukulele is cheaper and easier for beginners than a guitar. Consider adding a book of simple songs or a lesson voucher to make it more likely to be played.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the reader who is hookedA hardback book series box set
A box set of a favourite series gives them something to look forward to in the holidays. Ask a parent or teacher for the right reading level.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Toy safety marks
Look for the UKCA or CE mark on toys sold in the UK, and follow the age guidance printed on the packaging. Keep small parts away from children under three.
Batteries and wrapping
If a toy needs batteries, check whether they are included and add spares if not. Nothing spoils Christmas morning like a toy that cannot be switched on.
FAQ: questions people ask
What are good screen-free Christmas gifts for children?
Building sets, art and craft kits, board games, books, scooters and role-play costumes all keep children away from screens. Pick something linked to a current interest, and the gift is more likely to be played with long after Christmas.
How do I choose the right age group?
Use the age guidance on the packaging, which is there for safety as well as interest. If you are between two ages, choose the younger band for a complex toy, so it feels easy and fun rather than frustrating.
What does the UKCA or CE mark mean on a toy?
It shows that the maker states the toy meets the safety rules for the UK or EU market. Look for the mark on the box or the toy itself. It is not a guarantee of quality, but its absence is a reason to be careful.
What should I buy for a child I do not know well?
A book, a craft kit or a family board game is a safe choice, because it suits a range of tastes. A gift voucher for a bookshop or a toy shop also lets the family choose, which is helpful if you are unsure.
How much should I spend on a child’s Christmas present?
It depends on your relationship and your budget. For nieces, nephews and friends’ children, something between £10 and £25 is common. Close relatives often spend more. Keep it modest if you are buying for several children, so nobody feels left out.
